Othello's tragic Flaw - Essay Example

The jealousy he feels makes him insane, and he fails to look for solid reasons. It seems that it is Brabantio’s warning “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see…She has deceived her father, and may thee” (Act I, Scene 3) that makes Iago realize the possibility of great revenge. As Othello says “My life upon her faith; Honest Iago” (Act I, Scene 3), Iago becomes almost certain about the outcome. It is very evident that even this declaration adds to the basic jealous nature of Othello.

As Iago develops his plan, this jealousy grows deeper and deeper. Though Othello continuously goes on denying his growing jealousy, mere hints from the part of Iago make him say that “No Iago…I’ll see before I doubt…when I doubt, prove…and on the proof, there is no more but this, …away at once with love or jealousy” (Act III, Scene 3). At this point, jealousy overcomes him with such a force that he delves into a fit of epilepsy. Soon, one can see a conversion of his jealousy into anger as he says “Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell!

Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne, to tyrannous hate!” Soon, he accuses Desdemona of infidelity. Though she denies it, his mind is unchangeable. As Emilia points out “But jealous souls will not be answered so; they are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous: ‘tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself” (Act III, Scene 4). Soon, Othello decides to kill her saying “let her rot, and perish, and be damned to-night, for she shall not live: no, my heart is turned to stone” (Act IV, Scene 1).

However, Emilia’s statement that Desdemona is honest makes Othello confused. He seems a man too confused to think rationally as he attempts to get any proof. Through Iago’s brainwashing, he seems more eager to find fault in Desdemona than to prove her innocence. Despite her repeated question “what ignorant sin have I committed?” (Act IV, Scene 2), he goes on blaming her. Sooner, he kills Desdemona. The play reveals the power of jealousy. Iago is driven by Jealousy. In other words, it is jealously that makes Iago develop the plot to devastate Othello.

Again, he uses the same element of jealousy in Othello to bring his idea into practice. It is this content of jealousy that makes Othello feel violated and betrayed. When one feels betrayed, there are two possible outcomes; either the person turns revengeful or the person becomes depressed. In the case of Othello, he has the power to implement what he wants to do. In addition, he is a man who believes in righteousness. So, as a warrior, he is not ready to given in. Instead, he decides to do justice in his own way.

It seems that Shakespeare presents the tragic hero Othello with a number of personality defects, or, indeed as a representative of a common human being who is ruled by feelings of insecurity, jealousy, hate, and revenge. The entire play is driven by the fact that he shows blind faith in the loyalty of Iago who is the real villain. However, it is rather surprising to note that he fails to show the same level of blind faith in Desdemona. Here, it becomes evident that when it comes to the matter of Desdemona, he is influenced by other factors too.

He is influenced by a number of feelings at the same time. The strongest ones are his love for Desdemona. However, as time passes, jealousy gains upper hand. Soon, it gets